What To Do If The Car Does Not Start

Most vehicle owners have found themselves in the scenario of trying to start their vehicle, but it is unresponsive. What to do if the car does not start, it is one of those questions that every driver should know at least a couple of answers.

The first step is to identify the source of the problem; some faults can be very easy to repair. Of course there are also more complex ones; but only by being aware of where the error is, you can act accordingly.

In short, it is about trying to solve the problem quickly and without help or asking for the help of a crane or a mechanic; a realistic analysis of the situation is required.

Does the car have gas?

Incredible as it may sound, it does eventually happen. The ups and downs of daily life can lead to us forgetting to put fuel in the car. And without fuel, the engine won’t start.

Less frequent, but not impossible, is that the reservoir is broken and spilled the liquid. A rock thrown by a tire rotating at 120 kilometers per hour can create a small crack that causes a leak.

To rule out that this is the case, that of a hole in the tank, it will only be enough to park the car, let it rest for 10 minutes and check the asphalt for liquid traces.

What to do if the car does not start due to lack of fuel : walk to the nearest service station and fill with gasoline or diesel, as the case may be, with a properly approved container.

Battery failures

The battery is usually the most common cause of abnormalities that suddenly prevent a car engine from starting. Although if you meet the deadlines for preventive reviews or pay attention to some signs, this should not happen.

How do you know if it is the car battery that is not working? When trying to start the engine, it does not make any noise; in some cases, a very slight clicking sound may be heard. If it is completely discharged, the lights will not come on.

There are several ways to put the car to work in these cases. Manual transmission models can be started by pushing the car up a hill, preferably not too steep. You can also resort to the help of another battery or with a charger.

In most cases, when a battery discharges it means that it has reached the end of its useful life and must be replaced.

Sulphated terminals

Constant use can cause the battery terminals to become sulphated or dirty, preventing the correct transmission of electrical energy.

To get out of the way quickly, you have to move the connectors of the cables, that can work. However, to avoid having to open the hood every time you have to start the car.

With these types of problems, it is advisable to take the time to remove all the impurities that prevent the proper functioning of the battery.

To clean the terminals, the first step is to loosen and remove the cables, taking care that they do not come into contact with the battery at any time. On each of the terminals, apply a solution of water with sodium bicarbonate. Dark-colored sodas are just as effective.

After allowing the liquid to act for 10 minutes, it is wiped dry with a cloth. Finally, with a metal bristle brush, both the terminals and the cable connectors are rubbed.

What to do if the car does not start: other faults

The starter motor may stop working without warning. This is a relatively easy anomaly to identify, as it emits a very characteristic loud noise.

Some people suggest that in order for it to unlock, it must be hit hard with a screwdriver or some other tool. There are also those who claim that this has no effect and it is recommended to wait a few seconds before trying to start the car again.

To avoid causing further damage, it is best to  go to a specialist, who will decide whether the device can be repaired or should be replaced.

Dirty or bad spark plugs are another recurring failure ; the same as an oil in the engine that is too viscous or too liquid, due to extreme temperatures.

In the first case, of the dirty battery, a quick cleaning can work, at least temporarily. Although the engine will surely show weak when accelerating fully or with the vehicle parked. In the second scenario, the car will not run until the engine oil is changed